See author's note at the end of this chapter. I asked on the lists when AJ's birthday was I got 3 answers 5/26, 5/18, and 5/25. I used 5/25 because it worked best in my storyline.

Harm and Mac's house
0630 Hours
05/21/2004

I've just finished washing Jimmy's face when I hear Harm enter the kitchen.

"Is there any coffee ready?"

"Right there," I gesture to a travel mug on the counter, "I figured you'd need it for your trip to the Patrick Henry."

"You figured right." Harm takes a drink of the coffee and than gives both Jimmy and me a good morning kiss on the cheek.

"Where are AJ and Mattie? I need to get going if I'm going to make my flight."

"Here we are." Mattie says as she walks into the room holding AJ.

"Hey you two, I've got to get going. Do I get a goodbye hug?" Harm asks as he reaches for AJ.

"Bye, Uncle Harm!" AJ practically jumps into Harm's arms and gives him a hug that seems designed to strangle.

"Bye, Harm. Good luck." Mattie tells him as she gives him a hug that's just as big as AJ's, though somehow not as violent.

"Thanks guys, Mattie can you get AJ and Jimmy into the car for Mac?"

"Sure, come on you two." Mattie takes Jimmy from me, and holding AJ's hand, heads out to the garage.

"Why'd you do that flyboy? I can put the boys in the car."

"I know you can, but this gives me a chance to do this without any comments from the peanut gallery."

I'm just about to ask what this is when Harm takes me in his arms and gives me a kiss that leaves me breathless.

"Is that your way of saying you're going to miss me?" I ask him once I can breathe again.

"Yeah, it is." Harm smiles at me. "Come on, we need to get going. I'll call you tonight if I can."

"Sounds good."

We head into the garage where we part ways. Harm heading to Andrews for his flight out to the Patrick Henry to do his quals, the boys and I heading out for another normal day.

Harm and Mac's house
1930 Hours
05/21/2004

Dinner's done. The boys are in their pjs. I'm just sitting down to watch a video with them when the phone rings.

"Hello."

"Hi, Mac."

"Harm! I guess this means you made it to the ship."

"Sure did. It's just like old times. I've got Tuna for a bunk mate and Skates for a RIO." I can almost hear Harm smiling through the phone.

"Sounds like you're going to have a good weekend. They'll probably have to kick you off the ship on Monday morning."

"Well, while I'm going to enjoy flying, I'll be ready to leave on Monday."

"Yeah, right." I snort.

"Flying is no longer the most important thing in my life, Mac." He sounds so sincere.

"May I ask what is?"

"My family." Wow! We're more important than flying. I guess Peter Pan really has grown up.

"Hey, Mac?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I talk to the kids?"

"Sure."

Harm talks to Mattie, AJ and even Jimmy. Ten minutes later he's telling me goodbye. I think he would have talked longer but somebody else needed the phone.

USS Patrick Henry
1600 hours
05/23/2004

"Commander Rabb reporting as ordered,sir!" I come to attention in front of the Captain.

"At ease, Rabb. So your quals are done for another six months."

"Yes, sir. I'm looking forward to getting home, sir. Any chance I can still catch a ride today?" Mac and I have a busy week ahead.

"Actually, I wanted to talked to you about that. I'm a little short handed around here. Any chance you could stay and help out?" The CAG asks.

"Truthfully sir, not really."

He looks shocked. I can understand that, usually my response to being offered flight time is 'hell yeah!' I just hope if he tries to make it an order the admiral doesn't approve it.

"Care to explain why not?" He barks. I guess I can add ticking off a superior officer to my 'how I spent my weekend' list.

"Yes, sir! You know about Mattie and about Colonel Mackenzie and I having custody of AJ and Jimmy Roberts?"

"Yes."

"Jimmy starts allergy shots tomorrow afternoon. AJ's birthday is Tuesday. Kindergarten round-up is Wednesday. The boys' maternal grandparents arrive Friday. We're having a birthday party Saturday afternoon, and Mattie's going to the prom with a friend Saturday night. I really need to be home. I promised Colonel Mackenzie I'd be home to help with everything."

"I was hoping you'd volunteer to stay before I talked to Cheggwidden, but I guess I'm going to have to officially request to have you assigned here TAD. Dismissed."

"Yes, sir!" I execute a perfect turn and head back to my cabin. I wonder if I should call Mac now or wait until it's official.

USS Patrick Henry
1650 Hours
05/23/2004

"Commander Rabb reporting as ordered, sir!" I wonder how long I'm here for. Mac's going to kill me.

"There's a COD leaving at 1715, think you can make it?" The Captain asks.

"Sir?" I wonder if I look as confused as I feel.

"I asked if you could make the 1715 COD. I talked to Cheggwidden, but he's not willing to let you go. I even went over his head, but apparently JAG is more short handed than I am, and the higher ups feel you're of more use as a lawyer than a pilot."

"Yes, sir! I can make that flight."

"Then dismissed."

As I rush to my cabin to grab my bags I can't help but think about how lucky I am. My flight status almost cost me the chance to be around for some pretty important events in my kids' lives. That's how I think of them too, as my kids.


TBC

And that's the end of my little fantasy chapter. I've noticed most fics where Harm has a family and is asked to stay on board a ship and help out, he says yes. I just wanted to do one where he says no and puts the family before the flying. Hope you enjoyed it. Next up is AJ's birthday party.